The President of the United States, Donald Trump, once again threatened on Sunday to annihilate Iran, two and a half months after the start of the offensive against Tehran. Negotiations between the two parties remain deadlocked, and envoys from both countries have not spoken directly since a meeting in Pakistan in mid-April.
After more than a month of truce, the prospect of a solution to the conflict, which began on February 28, remains distant and increasingly fragile.
The war has led to a de facto blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20% of the world's oil exports passed, and has dragged neighbors Israel and Lebanon into a parallel violent conflict.
Iran announces 6,500 arrests of alleged spies and opponents since the start of the war
Iranian authorities reported the arrest of 6,500 alleged "spies" and "traitors to the homeland" since the start of the war with the United States and Israel, amid increased security measures and intensified persecution against opposition groups and participants in the January protests, as reported by Efe.
"Since the beginning of the war until now, more than 6,500 traitors to the homeland and spies have been arrested," announced the National Police Commander of Iran, General Ahmad Reza Radan, on Sunday night, as reported by the ISNA agency.
Radan stated that among the detainees are individuals accused of espionage, collaboration with armed groups, and involvement in activities considered destabilizing.
Brent rises and surpasses $111 amid renewed tensions in the Middle East
The Brent crude oil barrel for delivery in July rises more than 1.6% on Monday and surpasses $111 in the London futures market amid new tensions in the Middle East.
At 7:00 a.m. (5:00 GMT) on Monday, the Brent, Europe's reference crude, advances by 1.69%, to $111.11, although it reached $112 during the early hours of the morning.
Brent crude is trading higher for the fourth consecutive day as tensions escalate in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia intercepts three drones
Saudi Arabia intercepted three drones that entered its airspace from Iraq on Sunday, announced the Ministry of Defense spokesperson, Major General Turki al-Maliki.
Lebanon reports seven dead in Israeli airstrikes
Israeli attacks killed seven people in Lebanon on Sunday, including a commander of the Islamic Jihad, reported Lebanese authorities and state media.
The Lebanese National News Agency (ANI, official) announced on Sunday night about an Israeli missile attack on an apartment on the outskirts of the city of Baalbek in the east of the country, which killed Islamic Jihad commander Wael Abdel Halim and his 17-year-old daughter.